As a follow-up to the November 30 Ombudsman’s article on this paper’s endorsement of the need for the recall of Chrysler’s 2017 Pacifica Minivan, this Ombudsman has contacted our local Congresswoman, Nita Lowey, requesting her assistance in this critical matter. The following information is quoted from my letter to the congresswoman dated December 8, 2017:

“…earlier in the year, upon my recommendation, endorsed by the Rockland County Times, you co-sponsored a bill to force used car dealers, with vehicles in their inventory subject to a safety recall, to fix them prior to selling them to the public”.

“Most recently, on November 30, 2017, in my article entitled…’Center for Auto Safety Demands Chrysler Recall 150,000 Pacifica Minvans’,…our paper has endorsed the recall of these vehicles which have been reported to be subject to multiple instances of stalling on the highways when operating at various speeds, leading to a possible life-threatening situation.”

“Prior to such a recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration must investigate to determine the cause of the stalling. To date this cause has not been determined and the owner of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minvan is left in a most dangerous position.”

“This Ombudsman calls upon you, once again, to consider sponsoring a bill in the House that would require Chrysler to at least provide a loaner car to any Pacifica vehicle’s owner who has reported these stalling events, until this defect is corrected and/or the vehicle has been recalled.”

“Please advise me on what steps you may be able to take in sponsoringsuch legislation in the House of Representatives. I will keep my readers informed of your response to this urgent request.”